What was the public's perception of K9s during "The Turbulent 60's" era?

During "The Turbulent 60's," the public's perception of K9 units was significantly influenced by the political and social climate of the era, including civil rights movements and protests against the Vietnam War. Many people scrutinized the use of police dogs as a symbol of authority and oppression, particularly in situations where they were deployed to control or disperse crowds during civil unrest. The association of K9s with aggressive policing tactics during protests led to concerns about the potential for abuse and the negative implications of using these animals in confrontational settings. Consequently, this skepticism reflected a broader distrust of law enforcement during a time of heightened scrutiny and demands for civil rights, rather than a widespread acceptance of K9 units as helpful or benevolent assets for the community.